CCT spring show a family affair

The CCT production of Honk! proves that while birds of a feather may flock together, they are not always kind to one another.

The show, a musical-comedy retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson tale of the Ugly Duckling, traces one bird’s path from odd duck to awesome swan. The production is CCT’s spring Family Show, an event that draws a cast that spans generations – from grade-schoolers to retirees.

“The family show is always one of the highlights of the year because it is a full-scale Broadway-style show with all the trimmings, that brings together a tremendous range of actors. It’s fun to watch the old pros work with the kids and bring them along,” said George Shippits, who is producing the show and playing the part of a hungry cat who takes an interest in the duckling ... as lunch.

For a show that features a cast of varying experience, “Honk!” is filled with a wide variety of music – from ballads to jazz to ragtime and vaudeville numbers.

“It’s a challenging show, but that’s part of the fun of it,” said Shippits. “It’s always amazing to see how well the kids, even the little ones, respond when you challenge them a little.”

The show will run March 8 through 10 and March 15 through 17 at the O’Connell Theater on the campus of Northern Illinois University. Tickets are available online at www.CCTonstate.com or at the door. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for children.